Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad (“Alliance Bank” or “the Bank”) celebrated the successful conclusion of the fourth edition of Heritage Run 2026 (“Heritage Run”), which recorded a record-breaking participation of nearly 6,300 runners. Held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, this special edition introduced a refreshed race format and exclusive limited-edition merchandise, further strengthening the Bank’s commitment to community engagement, sustainability and the celebration of Penang’s rich heritage.
Taking place at the historic Padang Kota Lama on 12 July 2026, Heritage Run highlighted Penang’s iconic landmarks and multicultural identity, transforming the event from a heritage-themed sporting activity into a vibrant cultural tourism experience. The run was officially flagged off by Alliance Bank’s Group Chief Financial Officer, Ronnie Royston Fernandiz.
Alliance Bank Group Chief Executive Officer, Kellee Kam, expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming response towards the fourth edition of Heritage Run, saying that the strong support from the public and Penang community reflects the growing appeal of the event.
“The public and the people of Penang have been very supportive of this event, and we hope to carry this positive momentum forward into even greater success,” said Kellee Kam.
He added that Heritage Run continues to promote a healthy and active lifestyle while celebrating Penang’s unique heritage and supporting sustainability efforts. The initiative reflects the Bank’s commitment as The Bank for Life in building healthier communities and encouraging responsible, sustainable growth.
During the event, Alliance Bank also introduced the KM TO RM Challenge 2026, Malaysia’s first run-to-earn savings challenge designed to reward Malaysians for staying active while developing better financial habits. Running from August to October 2026, the three-month challenge encourages participants to maintain their running routine while earning rewards through their Alliance Bank Basic Savings Account/-i.
Speaking about the new initiative, Kellee Kam shared that running has evolved beyond fitness and has become a lifestyle that connects communities. Through the KM TO RM Challenge 2026, Alliance Bank hopes to inspire Malaysians to stay active, remain consistent and enjoy rewards while building healthier lifestyles and financial habits.
This year’s Heritage Run featured three race categories, including a 3-kilometre family walk, a 10-kilometre competitive run for participants looking to improve their fitness goals, and a 21-kilometre half marathon. The event also offered total cash prizes of up to RM24,400 for the winners.
To encourage participation among people of all ages and strengthen community spirit, the 3-kilometre category introduced the “Best-Dressed Family Challenge”, inviting participants to complete the route while showcasing their best traditional outfits.
In the men’s 21-kilometre open category, national runner Yeow Ni Jia emerged as champion, followed by Lim Kok Leong and Edmund Pang. For the veteran category, Nik Fakaruddin bin Ismail took the top spot, while Amirullah Bambang and Leow Thai Lih finished as first and second runners-up.
For the women’s 21-kilometre open category, Melanie Goh See Ler claimed the championship, followed by Chew Huey Ming and Eryn Yen Ling Tan. In the veteran category, Noor Amelia Binti Musa emerged as champion, with Chew Lay Ling and Wong Mi-Chi securing the first and second runner-up positions.
In the 10-kilometre men’s open category, Mohammad Izul Amirul Mukmim took first place, followed by Mohamad Nur Radzman and Ong Wei Xiang, while Armeet Singh won the veteran category, followed by Mohd Faizul bin Muhaieddin and Tan Tong Hai. Meanwhile, Ong Ee Ling emerged as champion in the women’s 10-kilometre open category, followed by Heng Jia Yee and Lim Tung Ern, while Chuah Joo Khim won the veteran category, followed by Lim Siok Har and Foo Yin Yin.
All winners received finisher medals and cash prizes in recognition of their achievements. The Best-Dressed Family award went to Isaac Alistair, Nora Sikin and their families, who impressed the crowd with their creative and eye-catching traditional outfits throughout the race.
Sustainability remained a key focus throughout Heritage Run 2026, with event elements carefully designed to reduce waste and encourage responsible practices. Participants received medals made from sustainably sourced bamboo, reusable canvas bags and race essentials created with sustainability in mind.
The collectible race T-shirts were also specially designed for each category, drawing inspiration from Penang’s cultural heritage, including the kebaya, prawn mee and manik shoes. The lanyards featured batik-inspired designs, while the exclusive canvas bags reflected the unique identity and charm of Penang.
Participants also had the opportunity to explore the #SupportLokal Bazaar, where local entrepreneurs showcased handmade crafts and Penang delicacies, helping to support small businesses and boost grassroots economic activities.
Set against the historic backdrop of George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage enclave, Heritage Run 2026 offered a unique experience that blended sports, culture and community. The introduction of the Best-Dressed Family Challenge brought additional excitement to the 3-kilometre family walk, with participants proudly showcasing traditional attire along the route.
The newly introduced 10-kilometre competitive category also attracted runners looking for new challenges and personal milestones, while the 21-kilometre half marathon continued to draw experienced runners from Malaysia and beyond, creating a memorable experience where heritage, culture and sports came together.
With sustainability at its core, Heritage Run 2026 also highlighted Alliance Bank’s efforts to support the preservation of George Town’s cultural heritage, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11.4 on safeguarding cultural and natural heritage.
More than just a running event, Alliance Bank Heritage Run demonstrated the Bank’s ESG commitment by promoting environmental responsibility, celebrating cultural diversity, supporting local businesses and strengthening community well-being.
Members of the public who are interested in joining the KM TO RM Challenge 2026 can register by 31 July 2026 by opening an Alliance Bank Basic Savings Account/-i. Unlike traditional banking campaigns, the challenge focuses on rewarding consistency and active lifestyle habits rather than spending.
Participants will need to complete monthly running milestones tracked through the BiiB app and will receive rewards upon successfully completing each challenge. With only 1,200 slots available, participants who complete the full three-month challenge will stand a chance to win Garmin Forerunner watches through the grand prize draw.
Those who complete at least one month of the challenge will also qualify for a separate consolation prize draw, featuring rewards such as JD Sports gift cards.
